Additional Coverage:
- Before my dad died, he was put on the maternity floor for hospice. The nurses took such good care of us, and it was quiet and calm. (newsbreak.com)
After my father’s passing in 2024, I couldn’t help but reflect on the unexpected location where he spent his final hours.
The hospital placed my father on the maternity floor for hospice care, a decision that initially surprised us. However, we quickly realized the appropriateness of this choice.
The maternity ward provided a calm and spacious environment, with staff experienced in supporting both life’s beginnings and endings. The nurses had bereavement training and understood the unique needs of families during these difficult times.
For 48 hours, my siblings and I kept vigil in the recliners typically used by birth partners. We took comfort in the soft lighting and the occasional chime announcing new life.
As my father’s life ended, a sense of completion filled me. He had always been spiritual, and I felt that being surrounded by the start of new life was a fitting end to his journey.
This experience led me to believe that other hospitals should consider adopting similar approaches. Dedicated spaces for hospice care within maternity wards can create a calming and supportive environment for families coping with loss while also offering a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of life and death.